Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has indicated that the door remains open for locally based players to earn a place in his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he prepares to finalise his selection for the tournament.
The Black Stars coach, who is expected to submit his final squad list by June 1, emphasised that selection will be based strictly on merit, fitness, and readiness, regardless of where players are based.
His comments come amid ongoing debate over the limited representation of Ghana’s domestic league players in recent national team call-ups, with most squad members drawn from clubs abroad. In recent months, Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has been the only consistent home-based inclusion.
Speaking at his unveiling, Queiroz stressed that national team opportunities would not be reserved for any category of players.
“Nobody owns the national team shirt. That must be clear,” he said.
“The players dream to represent the country, and it is our job to give them a fair and right opportunity. My job is to be sure that the ones who wear the shirt are those who deserve to be there.”
He added that selection decisions would be guided by performance and readiness.
“The players I select would be capable, fit and experienced,” he stated.
Ghana are placed in Group L for the expanded 48-team World Cup, where they will face England, Croatia and Panama. The Black Stars are aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010.
Queiroz’s remarks are expected to be welcomed by domestic league players hoping for a chance to impress before the final squad is named.
